Clothing Guide

Clothing should be plain and simple–no patterns, stripes, bold designs or anything that distracts from your face.

Timelessness

Classical styles that stay in fashion year after year are recommended. Trendy clothing will tend to outdate your portrait, however, if a more trendy look is your desire, we can accommodate you.

The focal point

of your portrait – Should be the brightest or darkest point in your portraits. Simplify by having one main focal point — YOU! The focal point is where your eyes travel first and should hold your attention.

Coordinate

Try to be consistent with others in your portrait. Use the same color, or try staying with the same tonal values.

Jewelry

When doing individual portrait (close up), wear short, gold or silver necklace; pearls (collar bone length); for earrings, simple loops or pearls are recommended. In family groups it’s not as important but still recommended.

High Key
All white or light portraits – White, off white, or pastel color clothing on a light or white background.

Best combination for high key shown above.

Outdoor PortraitsEarth tones, solid colors such as dark navy, green or maroon or very subtle patterns. For a more casual look, denim looks great, dark cotton slacks and shirt with the same tonal value. Avoid white and black clothing, unless you are working with a pre-planned theme, such as a golden wheat field for white or black with a granite rock background. Avoid white socks and shoes. Long sleeves recommended.

Formal family Groups

For the studio, generally use medium to deep tones. Match the others in the group, Long sleeves, dark slacks, dark skirts, dark shoes, and darker stockings usually are best.

More in-depth clothing preparation…

PORTRAIT PREPARATION

The session fee covers the cost of taking the portraits and a one time viewing of your images.

All images are presented for viewing at the studio by appointment. (No proofs available.)

You are able to see them instantly but it is necessary to schedule more time at your sitting. (Additional showings @ $20.00 with no purchase).

The session fee does not include any finished portraits.

Portrait session suggestions

Please arrive a few minutes early to your photo session! If you are later than 15 minutes, please try to reschedule. We need the entire time of the session to photograph you. You will be charged for this time when rescheduling.

For Hairstyle and makeup

Please allow at least two hours for the regular session from start to finish for your hair and makeup, and photo session. (Time will vary according to the session). In the studio you will be able to see your images instantly as they are taken. This is a great help for viewing any last minute hair and makeup adjustments. Please inform your stylist concerning your likes and dislikes. Clean face – No make-up. Hair must be clean. Please bring your own mascara. Our make-up is non fragrance, hypo-allergenic. We are not responsible for any allergic reaction you may have to products used in the salon or during the session.

Helpful Hints

Wear a top that you don’t have to pull over your head. Excess facial hair, particularly above the lip and eyebrows, should be removed as it may show in your photographs.

Simplicity

Clothing should be plain and simple, no patterns, stripes bold designs or anything that would distract from your face. Timelessness – classical styles stay in fashion year after year and are recommended. Trendy clothing will tend to outdate your portrait.

The focal point is

YOU! Your face is the focal point of your portrait and should be the brightest or darkest point in your portrait. The focal point is where your eyes travel to first and should hold your attention. Coordinate – try to be consistent with others in your portrait. Use the same color, or try to stay with the same tonal values. Jewelry – when doing individual (close-ups), wear short, gold or silver necklace; pearls (collarbone- length) ; for earrings, simple loops, studs or pearls are recommended. In family groups it’s not as important but still recommended.

Classical portraits

Wear solid colors or subtle patterns, they are submissive and non-competitive. Wear rich tones such as navy, dark forest green, deep maroon, burgundy, black or dark charcoal with subtle accents of jewelry, simple pattern ties ie; small dot pattern and last resort a low contrasting stripe. We recommend a V-neck dress or tops with long sleeves for women. High key (all white/seamless/light) portraits-white, or very pastel colors. Light clothing is excellent.

Fashionable/casual/trendy look

Follow basic rules as listed or go as colorful and as trendy as you want! When there’s more than one person in the session try to match or use similar tonal values.

Outdoor portraits

Earth tones, solid colors such as dark navy, green or maroon or very subtle patterns. For a more casual look, denim looks great, dark cotton slacks with the shirt of the same tonal value or slightly lighter shirt. White is not recommended. Avoid white socks and noisy tennis shoes. Bare feet work wonderfully.

Home sessions

Choose clothing with the same color tones that compliment the room that you will be photographed in. Usually the portrait would hang in the same room.

Special story themes or environmental portraits

For individual, couple or family. This would portray elements that tell something about you or your family. Discuss any special ideas and particulars with us to ensure the best possible portrait presentation. Some ideas have been fishing gear, sports gear, hobbies, career elements like a mechanic’s tools, painter (both kinds), farmer, possibilities are endless. Be creative. Swap Heads for the Perfect Portrait.

Family groups

Follow guidelines for various styles listed above. For the studio’s, dark master background we generally use medium to deep tones long sleeves, dark slacks, dark shoes, and darker stockings usually are best.

Glasses

Please borrow frames or remove lenses from your frames before the portrait session. We are pretty successful at retouching glass glare but we do not guarantee it.

Ask About Slimming. 😀

Pre-Appointments:

To ensure your portrait success, we request a consultation with you to examine the possibilities for your session.

We request that you bring in your clothing for reference and we will discuss other pertinent items during this consultation.

What should I wear?
Basic rules to follow when preparing for your portrait.
Simplicity
Clothing should be plain and simple--no patterns, stripes, bold designs or anything that distracts from your face.
Timelessness
Classical styles that stay in fashion year after year are recommended. Trendy clothing will tend to outdate your portrait, … More:

Please leave a testimonial. Thank you! :D
I have used Scott Hancock Photography for years. He has been our photographer for family pictures, high school senior pictures, missionary photos, extended family portraits, and was the photographer for my daughters wedding last year (2010). He does a wonderful job, is very professional in his work, and finishes … More: